Appaloosa; need or want

[Mike in BK]

Hi gang. I'm itching for my first Riv and decision time is upon me. In Brooklyn I'm rather relegated to paved rides, usually laps in the park. I was never fast, but now I'm rather slow. I don't have a computer on my bike and can't remember the last time I did. I'm tired of clipless pedals and lycra shorts. I want to indulge in "the art of taking it slow" and have a bike that expands on that magic sensation I feel when I ride my 1981 Trek 710 with 531 tubing and longer chainstays. Bigger tires for starters and Grant's progressive designs. I built a '93 Rockhopper with Toscos, a B17, and 2.2 tires for riding upstate and it's fun! That frame's position doesn't really work for longer rides and getting distance covered at a reasonable rate. I had the idea that I would go down to just one bike and pick my perfect do-it-all Riv. I don't think that's very realistic, so maybe the Trek will always have a use for strictly road rides. That leaves commuting, leisurely rides, and some gravel and trail riding when I can get to it. Hillborne you say? Not a bad idea, but I don't hear the same glowing reviews of "Cadillac" type ride, and supreme comfort like I do when folks write about Appaloosas, Platypi, and Charlie Gallops. Slack headtube; long chainstays; I'm buying in. The geo for the 61cm Charlie resembles the 57cm Appaloosa more than anything else. (I noticed the headtube of the Joe went from 72 degrees to 70 degrees not too long ago, maybe that started with the Sergio green run). I don't think the Charlie would be ideal for trails under my 200 lbs, so I'm getting interested in the Joe. Antonio at RBW advised me that the Joe might be too long and heavy for my needs and recommended the Sam. I'm not sure if I'm jazzed about the Sam the same way, and no less important for such an investment, the lime olive Joe coming up is a way preferable color to the offerings of the Hillbornes pre-selling next week. I'd buy a used olive Hillborne (57cm) but no one ever sells their Riv! Any feedback from folks riding recent issue Appaloosas and Hillbornes would be very welcome. Thanks!

[Justin Williams]

FWIW, I'm in a similar position and own a Sam and it's an amazing bike: I live in Chicago, most of my miles are commuting, limestone paths, streets and roads. I have a Hillborne and it is dreamy for all that, plus loaded rides on paved/good condition gravel roads. I'd describe the ride as super comfortable, stable, agile, responsive but not at all twitchy. From what you describe you do and aspire to do, it seems pretty ideal. It's really a wonderful bike that's so versatile.

Having converted a vintage Rockhopper to be rivish in the past, there is just no comparison to the Sam. The Sam is so much livelier, more comfortable, beautiful, stable, and fun. That Rockhopper was a lot of fun and inexpensive, but to me, they are totally different rides.

Re chainstays: They're long by standards of most contemporary bikes, just not quite as long as an Atlantis or some other Rivs. Some folks on the list find that relative shortness to be an advantage, as it makes the bike more maneuverable both on an off trail. If you find yourself lifting your bike up stairs, onto trains, into elevators, you might appreciate the shorter wheelbase, too. I know I've been in some situations where I thought: good gravy this is a big bike (57 Sam from 2021); thank goodness I don't have one of the longer models!

All that said, I'm lusty for an Appaloosa, because I'm planning on some long distance dirt touring where I want big chunky tires, and a different setup than my Sam. But if that wasn't in the works, I wouldn't feel the need for any other bike.

[maxcr]

I have owned a Sam (or two) from the older generations, currently have an Atlantis (old toyo) and a Hunqa and a few others... I think the new Sam with the wider 50mm max tire is perfect for what you describe. It will be fast and won't mind 200lbs plus a small load. It will feel great in pavement or gravel as long as you have the right tires.

Now, if you lust after a Joe, just get a Joe... it will work great too. I rode one at Analog Cycles a million years ago and it was a great bike. 

Rivs are very versatile and you can configure them for your type of riding. Change tires from knobby to RH slicks, add/remove racks and you have a different bike!

You can't go wrong with either. The only thing I wouldn't do is buy a color I didn't like.

Max

[Lucia Matioli]

I have an AHH and I am planning on getting an Appaloosa for a bit more sturdiness. 
I have thrown the Hilsen around on dirt and it's pretty amazing-i can handle a lot of tech as a rider, so it's not been an issue. I also run 48's on it in 650b and it can handle a lot. 
I want some fatter tires and to be able to do more off road bike camping. I think the Appaloosa is going to be perfect for this. 
Plan on building up myself, but we shall see!

I have a PBH of 78.5 and plan on getting the 46...

AND THE LIME OLIVE IS INCREDIBLE. 

Cheers,

Lucia

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Lucia Matioli

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[Mike in BK]

Excellent insight. Would be great to see a pic of the Sam. Maybe the Appaloosa will be your go-to and you can sell it to me, lol! Half kidding, but always like to see a well loved Sam if you have pics to post. Thanks!

On Friday, October 31, 2025 at 10:56:29 AM UTC-4 alltheworl...@gmail.com wrote:

[Ryan Schlichting]

Mike,

I had the same thoughts as you on the Appaloosa.  I started with a Sam before they were cantilever braked.  At the time, I was able to test ride both the Sam and the Joe since I'm local to East Bay.  They were similar, but the Sam definitely felt more road like and more responsive in that way.  Being more of a road rider then, I decided to get the Sam.  It was a great bike but then my riding changed and I wanted something that could handle more rough trails and heavier touring but still feel good on the road.  So I went back to the Joe and I couldn't be happier.  I'm doing equal parts road, dirt, and touring and it's the perfect bike for all that.  I do think it's the closest to the bike for everything if you're willing to compromise  some on the outside edges of the spectrum.  For example, Joe feels great on the road if I use drop bars and stay on flat or light hills and descending.  It's not a great climbing bike though.  On the other end, it's good on most trails except for super technical, downhill type stuff which is fine for me because  I have no business on those trails.  And touring it is a dream, no complaints.  

So I'd suggest you just really look carefully at the type of riding you'll do and then make the decision based on that.  They are both great bikes.

Ryan, super happy Appaloosa rider